Video: Insiders Sabotaging Nnamdi Kanu’s Release – Sowore Reveals South-East Politicians Fear His Freedom Could End Their Careers

Abuja, Nigeria – October 10, 2025

Human rights activist and presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has made startling revelations about the behind-the-scenes politics surrounding the continued detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

Speaking during an interview on Arise Television, Sowore disclosed that several political figures from the South-East are actively frustrating efforts to secure Kanu’s release, fearing it would undermine their political positions and electoral fortunes.

“Nnamdi Kanu’s predicament is as a result of people in the South-East who decided that his release will jeopardize their political careers,” Sowore said. “That I know as far back as when Tinubu freshly became president, because I was part of some conversation to release him.”

According to Sowore, he had been in contact with top officials soon after President Bola Tinubu assumed office, during which discussions about releasing Kanu were on the table. However, political calculations ahead of the Imo State gubernatorial elections reportedly influenced the decision to delay his freedom.

“Tinubu said at that time that Imo elections were coming, and if Kanu comes out, APC might not win,” Sowore revealed.

He went on to explain that many of the communiqués and statements from South-East political leaders do not reflect their true stance, suggesting that some shift positions privately after public meetings. In the last 24 hours, Sowore said he had attempted to reach several key figures from the region but was met with silence and evasion.

“Some of them that I used to be able to reach just switched off their lines,” he said. “I reached out to Charles Soludo, the governor of Anambra State, no response till now. I reached out to Alex Otti, who used to be a columnist for Sahara Reporters, no response. I also contacted Peter Obi, and though I was told he was in Rome, I sent him a message saying he could ‘behave like the Romans do too, just be part of this.’”

Despite the silence from some top leaders, Sowore acknowledged that certain figures have shown support for the movement calling for Kanu’s release. He particularly praised Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, who served as one of Kanu’s sureties during his previous bail conditions, recalling their shared experience of hardship at the DSS detention facility.

“Senator Abaribe responded,” Sowore said. “I know that he suffered when he was a surety for Kanu. I even slept in his bed at the DSS dungeon shortly after he was released.”

Sowore further disclosed that the House of Representatives member Obinna Aguocha from Abaribe’s constituency had also joined in support, alongside a growing number of ordinary citizens across the South-East and beyond.

However, he lamented the absence of a unified front among the region’s political leaders, traditional rulers, and clergy, which many observers had hoped would emerge in solidarity.

“There is no unified response from South-East political leaders, traditional rulers, or even religious priests,” he said. “But a lot of young people have signed up to this, and the Nigerian government is already kicking back because they’ve seen the response to be unequivocal and swift.”

Sowore’s comments come amid rising momentum for the proposed march to Aso Rock, a peaceful demonstration calling for Kanu’s release which has garnered broad national and international attention. Among those who have expressed support, according to Sowore, is former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, signaling that the campaign is gaining traction beyond regional or partisan lines.

The activist’s revelations shed light on the deep political undercurrents surrounding Nnamdi Kanu’s detention, an issue that has continued to stir tension, particularly in the South-East, where calls for his freedom remain strong and persistent.